Vertebral compression fractures – a crack or break in one of the vertebrae of the spine – are a common source of sudden-onset back pain, especially for older adults and people with osteoporosis.
These fractures can make everyday activities difficult, limit mobility, and reduce quality of life. When pain persists despite rest, medication, and bracing, kyphoplasty may offer meaningful relief.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize the fracture, reduce pain, and help you return to your daily routines. It’s one of our specialties at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists in Arlington, Virginia.
Here’s more from our team about the benefits of kyphoplasty and how it works.
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the spinal vertebrae collapses or cracks under pressure. Osteoporosis is the leading cause because weakened bones are more likely to fracture, even during routine activities.
However, spinal fractures may also result from trauma or, less commonly, tumors affecting the spine.
Unlike muscular back pain that gradually improves, compression fractures often cause sudden, localized pain that becomes worse when standing or walking. Some people also notice a loss of height, a stooped posture, or increasing difficulty with everyday tasks.
Early diagnosis is important because untreated fractures can lead to additional spinal deformity and chronic discomfort over time.
Most compression fractures are initially treated without surgery. Your IPRMS physician may recommend rest, activity modification, pain medication, physical therapy, or a supportive back brace while the fracture heals naturally.
Even so, healing does not always happen as expected, and these fractures can sometimes affect the spine’s structural stability. If pain continues or significantly limits mobility, additional treatment may be appropriate.
This is where kyphoplasty may become an option. Rather than simply managing symptoms, the procedure helps stabilize the damaged vertebra, allowing many patients to experience faster pain relief and improved function.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed using image guidance for precision and a small incision to access the damaged vertebra.
After numbing the targeted area, your provider inserts a small medical balloon into the fractured vertebra. The balloon is then gently inflated, creating space within the bone and, in some cases, helping restore a portion of the lost vertebral height.
Once the balloon is removed, the newly created space is filled with a medical-grade bone cement. The cement quickly hardens, stabilizing the fracture and helping prevent further collapse.
Because only a small incision is required, patients experience minimal tissue disruption, and most can return home the same day.
Many patients notice significant pain improvement within days, and some experience relief much sooner.
Potential benefits include:
While individual results vary, many people find that kyphoplasty allows them to regain independence and participate more comfortably in everyday life.
Kyphoplasty is not appropriate for every compression fracture. The best candidates typically have:
Your physician will review your medical history, imaging studies, and overall health before recommending treatment. Timing also matters, as newer fractures generally respond better than long-standing injuries.
Don’t delay treatment, especially when your back pain is severe or interfering with your daily routine. Schedule a visit at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists today.
